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Living Free - August 24, 2011

"I am not trying to please people. I want to please God. Do you think I am trying to please people? If I were doing that, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10 CEV

Thoughts for Today

When we focus on trying to please people, we are not serving God. If we are truly his servants, our primary goal will be to please him.

When Jesus lived on earth, many who believed in him would not admit their faith. "Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God." John 12:42-43 NLT Because these people were more concerned about people's opinions than God's, they did not live out their faith. Likewise, when we live as people-pleasers, we are demonstrating the fact that we are more concerned about their approval than God's—and our walk with him is hindered.

Consider this …

Who are you trying to please? Maybe most of your life is lived to please God, but there is still some situation—or some person—that sparks you to be a people-pleaser. God wants us to put him first in all things—we cannot please him by placing more importance on people's opinions than his.

Prayer

Father, I do want to please you. Forgive me for the times I let my desire to be accepted by a person outweigh my desire to please you. Thank you for your love and for accepting me unconditionally. Help me to be a better servant. In Jesus' name ……

These thoughts were drawn from …

Lessons Learned: Moving from Homosexuality to Holiness by Tammy Webb-Witholt. This group study offers biblical tools, along with an abundance of hope, to anyone struggling with homosexuality. It is also a great group for anyone desiring a deeper walk with God. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study.

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